Mercury, the messenger god, is going retrograde
Mercury retrograde data
- Retrograde Oct 14, 2020, 11° Scorpio 40′
- Re-entry into Libra, Oct 28, 2020
- Direct Nov 3, 2020, 25° Libra 53′
Mercury, the planet of communication, trade, and trickery is going retrograde. He does this little dance for about 3 weeks, 3 times every year. The current episode, which will last until November 3, is his final retro-move for this year. Mercury is currently in Scorpio. He will move all the way back and re-enter Libra, ‘through the back door’ so to speak, on October 28, before changing course once again on November 3, to swoop through Scorpio until the end of November. He will be entering Sagittarius on December 1, 2020.
Mercury in Scorpio
Mercury in Scorpio is a skilled poker player and not above making underhanded moves – even backstabbing can be part of his repertoire. But he prefers to keep his cool and let others run into the traps he sets for them. No-fuss no muss.
In negotiations, there are always ulterior motives. When Mercury goes retrograde he might appear to make blunders, which seem to be losing him the battle. But it is likely to be just a small calculated sacrifice, a distraction from his real goal.
Nevertheless, during retrograde motions, Mercury matters often feel excruciatingly counter-intuitive and cumbersome. Delays and roadblocks are holding up progress. Don’t get distracted by those surface-level obstacles. Rather, look for the story underneath. What is really going on here?
Mercury opposite Uranus
Mercury will be opposing Uranus 3x during its transit through Scorpio. The first time it was exactly opposite was on October 7, 2020, when news broke that half the White House staff as well as the president and his wife had contracted Covid-19. A turbulent week of contradictory and opaque statements and denials were circulating on the news channels making it difficult to figure out what was really going on.
The next exact contact between these two planets will be on October 19, a few days after the New Moon, and the third contact will be on November 17, a few days after the New Moon again. We can expect more of this kind of chaos, that’s for sure. No doubt he will have a few more tricks like these up his sleeve as he is making his transit.
Personal Astrology
As regards personal astrology, make sure you have backed up your computers, and kept on track with all your important correspondence and obligations. Things are easily forgotten or misplaced and mail might get lost or delayed. Be patient and well prepared. It is a good time to catch up with things that have been piling up.
Also, be aware that under the Mercury/Uranus opposition it is easy to get riled which may set into motion a chain of events that was not intended but could have serious consequences. It is always better to try to settle arguments cordially than to snap and walk off the stage. It might satisfy a certain itch for drama but will it benefit relations in the long term? Unlikely. Words can hurt and you can’t take them back. Think before you speak.
